2025 Texas Legislature Rail Issues
Texas Rail Advocates tracks bills filed for the 89th legislative session that directly or indirectly impacts development of railroads or the rail industry.
Bills and riders that we feel are productive receive a Green Thumbs Up while counterproductive ones receive the Red Thumb Down.
TRA urges Texans to be proactive and support bills that help to facilitate Texas' economic growth and enhance quality of life by advancing the development of rail service as a carrier of people and goods.
Let your elected officials know where you stand. Find your elected state officials here:
https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
Important Dates To Remember:
- Monday, November 11, 2024
- First day legislators and legislators-elect may file bills for the 89th Legislature. [House Rule 8, Sec. 7; Senate Rule 7.04(a)]
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (1st Day)
- Regular Session Begins, 89th Legislature convenes at noon. [Sec. 5(a), Article III, Texas Constitution; Sec. 301.001, Government Code]
- Friday, March 14, 2025 (60th day)
- 60-day deadline for bill filing. [House Rule 8, Secs. 8 and 10(c); Senate Rule 7.07(b); Senate Rule 10.01 subjects joint resolutions to the rules governing proceedings on bills]
- Monday, June 2, 2025 (140th day)
- Sine die. (Last day of 89th Regular Session) [Sec. 24(b), Article III, Texas Constitution]
House Joint Resolution 58 - John Bucy
This would be a constitutional amendment that would authorize the use of money in the state highway fund for transit-oriented projects.
This would be the first time the public would have a say on how transportation funding is distributed other than for highway projects.
Should this resolution pass the legislature, it would appear on November 4, 2025 ballots.
89(R) House Bill 483 - John Bucy
High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail in the I-35 Corridor from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio.
This bill would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain and operate high-speed rail service between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio along the I-35 travel corridor. The service should reasonably be expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour or more.
This bill would specifically address the needs of congestion mitigation along the I-35 corridor and would not affect a current law passed by Texas legislators and signed by the governor that prohibits the use of state funds in building a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.
If passed by the Texas legislature and signed by Governor Abbott, this bill would take effect as of September 1, 2025. It would modify SECTION 1, Chapter 91 of the Transportation Code by amending and adding Subchapter G.
89(R) Senate Bill 424 (companion to HB 483) - Sarah Eckhardt
High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail in the I-35 Corridor from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio.
This bill would allow the Texas Department of Transportation to enter into a comprehensive development agreement with a private entity to construct, maintain and operate high-speed rail service between Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio along the I-35 travel corridor. The service should reasonably be expected to reach speeds of 110 miles per hour or more.
This bill would specifically address the needs of congestion mitigation along the I-35 corridor and would not affect a current law passed by Texas legislators and signed by the governor that prohibits the use of state funds in building a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston.
If passed by the Texas legislature and signed by Governor Abbott, this bill would take effect as of September 1, 2025. It would modify SECTION 1, Chapter 91 of the Transportation Code by amending and adding Subchapter G.
89(R) House Bill 663 - Brian Harrison
Denying the use of eminent domain for a high-speed rail project.
This bill would not allow a private entity, described as a railroad, to exercise the power of eminent domain for the purpose of developing or operating high-speed rail. In 2022 the Texas Supreme Court decided that Texas Central, a railroad engaged in building high-speed rail between Dallas and Houston, had the right to acquire land to build the line. If passed, this would supersede the Supreme Court’s decision.
89(R) House Bill 1402 - Cody Harris
Denying the use of funds to pay for high-speed rail even if it is a PUBLIC project.
This bill would prohibit the use of public funds for planning, facility construction or maintenance, security, promotion or operation of a high-speed rail operated by a private entity. It also prohibits using public funds for alteration of a roadway related to high-speed rail construction. The state would be barred from accepting public money (theoretically even federal rail funds) for a high-speed rail project operated by a public or private entity.